As temperatures rise and summer heat waves strengthen, wildfires inevitably spread. From Spain to France to Canada, intense and dangerous flames are destroying forests and homes, forcing millions to evacuate. Algeria, located in Northern Africa, is among the countries affected by these wildfires. Despite extensive coverage of wildfires in European countries, Algeria’s fires have received limited attention.

How It Started

A severe heat wave across North Africa, with temperatures reaching 55 degrees Celsius in some areas, left Algeria’s northern forests dangerously dry and facilitated the rapid spread of wildfires.

On July 18, 2026, wildfire emergencies reached a high point as 154 forest, vegetation and farmland fires were recorded within 24 hours. Recent reports indicate 138 fires have been extinguished, while others are being contained. Annaba, Souk Ahras, Skikda, Guelma, Bouira and other areas in the country’s northern and northeastern forest regions are most affected.

The Ministry of the Interior, Local Authorities and Transport reported six fatalities, more than 100 evacuations and about 150 homes affected or threatened in the July fires. Many people have been injured and left homeless, particularly those living in poverty, as food scarcity increases with fields and crops reduced to ashes, displacing farmers and livestock.

Response to the Algerian Wildfires

The government responded quickly by deploying first responders and emergency services to protect lives, contain fires and support affected communities. Meanwhile, many NGOs provided support and assistance to those impacted by the fires.

• Algerian Red Crescent: The Algerian Red Crescent (CRA) is Algeria’s oldest humanitarian organization, a volunteer-based disaster-relief society that serves as an auxiliary to the state in emergencies. Founded in 1957 with about 3,000 volunteers, its services include medical and financial support, access to public hospitals and psychological support. According to its 2025 annual report, CRA provided 3,700 hot meals and large-scale relief to families affected by the wildfires, including vaccines and professional medical assistance.
• Médecins Sans Frontières: Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), or Doctors Without Borders, is an independent medical humanitarian organization founded in 1971 that provides medical care to people affected by conflicts and natural disasters. With a global network of more than 67,000 staff, MSF has the medical and logistical capacity to respond to disasters like the Algerian fires, particularly for people suffering burns or respiratory complications from the smoke.

The Algerian wildfires have significantly impacted lives through injuries and home destruction. However, organizations and NGOs are available to support recovery efforts through donations and awareness initiatives.

– Michalitsa Kontogianni

Michalitsa is based in Washington, DC, USA and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr